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Students on Strike: Jim Crow, Civil Rights, Brown, and Me
John Stokes has waited more than 50 years to give his eyewitness account of "The Manhattan Project." This was the name he and a group of fellow students gave their strike at R.R. Moton High School that helped to end separate schooling for blacks and whites, not only in his home state of Virginia, but throughout America. Told in Stokes’ own words, the story vividly conveys how his passion for learning helped set in motion one of the most powerful movements in American history, resulting in the desegregation of schools—and life—in the United States.
As a child tending crops on the family farm, John Stokes never dreamed that one day he would be at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, on April 23, 1951, he and his fellow students walked out of the school and into the history books. Their school was built to accommodate 180 students, yet over 400 black students attended classes in leaky buildings with tar paper walls. A potbelly stove served as the only source of heat, and the school lacked running water, indoor plumbing, and a cafeteria. Yet to Stokes and his fellow students, it was their path to a better life.
Students on Strike is an evocative first-person narrative from a period of radical change in American history. Stokes recounts the planning of the student walkout, the secret meetings, the plot to send the principal on a wild goose chase after "truant" students, and the strategy to boycott classes until conditions improved. The author recalls the challenges in persuading teachers and parents to support the strike, and the intimidation that came in the form of threats and a cross-burning on school grounds. Archival illustrations from Stokes’ scrapbook add to the emotional impact of his story. The narrative follows the course of the lawsuits filed by the NAACP, which would became part of the historic Brown v Board of Education ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court and the subsequent end to segregation in America.
Young readers will relish this inspirational account of the heroic struggles of John Stokes and his fellow students; they will also learn a timeless lesson that people with little influence—but with great determination— can make a difference.
As a child tending crops on the family farm, John Stokes never dreamed that one day he would be at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, on April 23, 1951, he and his fellow students walked out of the school and into the history books. Their school was built to accommodate 180 students, yet over 400 black students attended classes in leaky buildings with tar paper walls. A potbelly stove served as the only source of heat, and the school lacked running water, indoor plumbing, and a cafeteria. Yet to Stokes and his fellow students, it was their path to a better life.
Students on Strike is an evocative first-person narrative from a period of radical change in American history. Stokes recounts the planning of the student walkout, the secret meetings, the plot to send the principal on a wild goose chase after "truant" students, and the strategy to boycott classes until conditions improved. The author recalls the challenges in persuading teachers and parents to support the strike, and the intimidation that came in the form of threats and a cross-burning on school grounds. Archival illustrations from Stokes’ scrapbook add to the emotional impact of his story. The narrative follows the course of the lawsuits filed by the NAACP, which would became part of the historic Brown v Board of Education ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court and the subsequent end to segregation in America.
Young readers will relish this inspirational account of the heroic struggles of John Stokes and his fellow students; they will also learn a timeless lesson that people with little influence—but with great determination— can make a difference.
- GenresNonfictionHistoryMemoir
128 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2007
13 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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June 6, 2013
My two sixth grade classes recently collaborated on a class book review after reading this text. Here are their thoughts - we'd love to hear yours!
Core 1 Class Book Review
Have you heard of the text Students on Strike by John A. Stokes? It is a true story about a young African American boy who had to do a brave and smart thing to fight segregation in the Jim Crow South.
In 1876 through 1965 the Jim Crow South was very segregated and whites enjoyed basic rights that black people didn’t, because in the Jim Crow South if you were not white then you were considered inferior. For example, African Americans or “Negroes” (what whites called the blacks during this time) had to sit in the back of the bus while whites were in the front. Also, in this time there were segregated bathrooms, schools, restaurants, hospitals, movie theaters, churches, and even military bases. It wasn’t until 1951, when John A. Stokes joined a group that led a strike against the white school board, that things started to change for the black community. It was not until the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling that things really began to change in the Jim Crow South.
When the book begins, John is a twelve-year-old “colored” boy who lived on a farm. He had to take responsibility in his life. He, along with his five siblings, also had to help his mom and dad by working on the farm. In the 1950’s in Prince Edward County, Virginia, like most of the Jim Crow South, Virginia was segregated so John’s life was unfair. At the beginning of the book, John was hiding when it was dark outside because nighttime was dangerous for black children. “Whenever and wherever colored children are walking after dark, we are taught to take cover in ditches and gullies, behind bushes and trees, in culverts, or in any safe hiding place as soon as we hear or see a car approaching,” (pg. 9).
As a high schooler he went to the Northern United States (with Carrie and his older sister). There they learned about how these two places were in the same country but completely opposite. When he was a student at Robert Russa Moton High School he decided to take a stand. He decided to organize a strike with some of his friends. He wanted to first get a bigger and better high school, like the school the white students attended. Then, after talking to the NAACP, they decided to fight for the very first integrated high school in the Jim Crow South. To find out what happened, you’ll have to read the book!
John A .Stokes won multiple awards throughout his life. We believe the author wants people in the United States to treat each other equally. We think that the most important thing that the author wanted us to walk away with was to not judge a person by their skin color or race because he ended the story with a poem that states, ”Look not at the face nor the color of a person’s skin, but look at the heart which is deep within. John A Stokes helped change the segregated school system forever.
Overall, the text Students on Strike is an excellent book because of the balance of history and the author’s life. It shows how the author and his family and friends dealt with their life in the Jim Crow South, and how they helped stop most of the segregation in their county. In the beginning, John A. Stokes wasn’t able to talk to any white people. He was offered a bite of toast (from a white girl) but he couldn’t accept it. “She stood in the kitchen door still eating the toast, and said in a soft voice ‘I’m not going to bite you! Why did you run? I’m not poison, you know.’” In the end, he changed his school, fought for integration, and was even part of a Supreme Court case. The way he describes it is like being in a world where everyone is against you just because of the way you look, whether it’s your fault or not. It also describes how black people were mistreated and how they dealt with it. The author also shares the ideas of racism, segregation and integration.This book has a very extensive vocabulary with words like endeavor and bondage, and the book is very informative. This is a book for people who like history or who want to learn more about racism and segregation. We would say this book is for readers ages 11+, due to some language and content. We give the book 4 out of 5 stars because of all of the great vocabulary and the lessons it teaches readers.
If YOU read this book you will love it like we did. It will amaze and surprise. John A. Stokes had to overcome some obstacles to get to his goal. So, if you like shocking, historical and informative books then this book is for you. We all loved it!
Core 2 Class Book Review
Have you ever wondered what life was like in the Jim Crow South? Have you ever wanted to meet a person who lived in the Jim Crow South? This book, Students on Strike by John A. Stokes, will let you experience many emotions. In this book, a group of students had to stand up for their community and their county to fight segregation.
When the narrator and his twin sister Carrie were twelve years old they walked to school together. The schools they attended were only for “colored” kids, because druing this time race mattered to some people. They attended a school named Robert Russa Moton High School. Their high school was the county’s only school for African Americans, located in Farmville.The one-story school was built for 180 students, but there were more than 450 pupils! Recognizing the inequalities between Moton and whites-only schools, John, with his classmate Barbara Johns, helped lead a strike for all the students in April 1951. They walked out and refused to return to class until construction began on a new high school for African Americans.
Life in the Jim Crow South was hard for blacks. You couldn’t go to the same school or restaurant as whites. Between fighting for an education and hiding in the shadows, it was pretty rough. In the text it states, “Did you ever wonder what it would be like to buy shoes and clothes without being able to try them on to see if they fit right?” (pg. 23). This really stood out for us because that doesn’t happen today and it shows how segregated the two races were at this time. Another reason why life during this time was harsh was that, “Money didn’t matter in the Jim Crow South. Color came first.” (pg. 24). There was a variety of Jim Crow laws like these, that enforced segregation. Blacks were also forced to use different water fountains and different movie theaters. There was also violence against the blacks, such as burning crosses, threats, and some were often severely injured or even killed.
John A. Stokes wrote this book because he wanted to tell readers how they separated the races in the South during this time, and how black people were treated. He also wanted us to remember what happened in the past, and he didn’t want us to forget about the Jim Crow South, so we won’t do it all over again. As an adult, John A. Stokes was a success in the teaching profession before retiring as a principal in 1994. John A. Stokes received multiple awards and recognitions due to his stance for the rights of all people.
As each chapter unfolds this book surprises and wows the reader with this true historical story of the author’s experiences in life. This book would be perfect for middle schoolers. Not only did we like it, but we are almost positive that every other middle schooler that reads this will fall in love with it, too! The vocabulary is mostly for middle schoolers and there are some inappropriate parts for younger children. John A. Stokes uses words that elementary children wouldn’t understand. For example, words like social injustice and nonsegregation/integration. Here’s a quote from a poem John’s teacher read him: “Look not at the face nor the color of the person’s skin, but look at the heart which is deep within. For the face and the skin will one day fade away, but the deeds of a good person will never decay. “ This book has many surprising turns and twists that leave you on the edge of your seat! We highly recommend!
After reading this we truly hope you get the chance to read this wonderful book. John stood up for what he believed in and it shows how hard people worked to get to where we are today and to make a difference.
Core 1 Class Book Review
Have you heard of the text Students on Strike by John A. Stokes? It is a true story about a young African American boy who had to do a brave and smart thing to fight segregation in the Jim Crow South.
In 1876 through 1965 the Jim Crow South was very segregated and whites enjoyed basic rights that black people didn’t, because in the Jim Crow South if you were not white then you were considered inferior. For example, African Americans or “Negroes” (what whites called the blacks during this time) had to sit in the back of the bus while whites were in the front. Also, in this time there were segregated bathrooms, schools, restaurants, hospitals, movie theaters, churches, and even military bases. It wasn’t until 1951, when John A. Stokes joined a group that led a strike against the white school board, that things started to change for the black community. It was not until the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling that things really began to change in the Jim Crow South.
When the book begins, John is a twelve-year-old “colored” boy who lived on a farm. He had to take responsibility in his life. He, along with his five siblings, also had to help his mom and dad by working on the farm. In the 1950’s in Prince Edward County, Virginia, like most of the Jim Crow South, Virginia was segregated so John’s life was unfair. At the beginning of the book, John was hiding when it was dark outside because nighttime was dangerous for black children. “Whenever and wherever colored children are walking after dark, we are taught to take cover in ditches and gullies, behind bushes and trees, in culverts, or in any safe hiding place as soon as we hear or see a car approaching,” (pg. 9).
As a high schooler he went to the Northern United States (with Carrie and his older sister). There they learned about how these two places were in the same country but completely opposite. When he was a student at Robert Russa Moton High School he decided to take a stand. He decided to organize a strike with some of his friends. He wanted to first get a bigger and better high school, like the school the white students attended. Then, after talking to the NAACP, they decided to fight for the very first integrated high school in the Jim Crow South. To find out what happened, you’ll have to read the book!
John A .Stokes won multiple awards throughout his life. We believe the author wants people in the United States to treat each other equally. We think that the most important thing that the author wanted us to walk away with was to not judge a person by their skin color or race because he ended the story with a poem that states, ”Look not at the face nor the color of a person’s skin, but look at the heart which is deep within. John A Stokes helped change the segregated school system forever.
Overall, the text Students on Strike is an excellent book because of the balance of history and the author’s life. It shows how the author and his family and friends dealt with their life in the Jim Crow South, and how they helped stop most of the segregation in their county. In the beginning, John A. Stokes wasn’t able to talk to any white people. He was offered a bite of toast (from a white girl) but he couldn’t accept it. “She stood in the kitchen door still eating the toast, and said in a soft voice ‘I’m not going to bite you! Why did you run? I’m not poison, you know.’” In the end, he changed his school, fought for integration, and was even part of a Supreme Court case. The way he describes it is like being in a world where everyone is against you just because of the way you look, whether it’s your fault or not. It also describes how black people were mistreated and how they dealt with it. The author also shares the ideas of racism, segregation and integration.This book has a very extensive vocabulary with words like endeavor and bondage, and the book is very informative. This is a book for people who like history or who want to learn more about racism and segregation. We would say this book is for readers ages 11+, due to some language and content. We give the book 4 out of 5 stars because of all of the great vocabulary and the lessons it teaches readers.
If YOU read this book you will love it like we did. It will amaze and surprise. John A. Stokes had to overcome some obstacles to get to his goal. So, if you like shocking, historical and informative books then this book is for you. We all loved it!
Core 2 Class Book Review
Have you ever wondered what life was like in the Jim Crow South? Have you ever wanted to meet a person who lived in the Jim Crow South? This book, Students on Strike by John A. Stokes, will let you experience many emotions. In this book, a group of students had to stand up for their community and their county to fight segregation.
When the narrator and his twin sister Carrie were twelve years old they walked to school together. The schools they attended were only for “colored” kids, because druing this time race mattered to some people. They attended a school named Robert Russa Moton High School. Their high school was the county’s only school for African Americans, located in Farmville.The one-story school was built for 180 students, but there were more than 450 pupils! Recognizing the inequalities between Moton and whites-only schools, John, with his classmate Barbara Johns, helped lead a strike for all the students in April 1951. They walked out and refused to return to class until construction began on a new high school for African Americans.
Life in the Jim Crow South was hard for blacks. You couldn’t go to the same school or restaurant as whites. Between fighting for an education and hiding in the shadows, it was pretty rough. In the text it states, “Did you ever wonder what it would be like to buy shoes and clothes without being able to try them on to see if they fit right?” (pg. 23). This really stood out for us because that doesn’t happen today and it shows how segregated the two races were at this time. Another reason why life during this time was harsh was that, “Money didn’t matter in the Jim Crow South. Color came first.” (pg. 24). There was a variety of Jim Crow laws like these, that enforced segregation. Blacks were also forced to use different water fountains and different movie theaters. There was also violence against the blacks, such as burning crosses, threats, and some were often severely injured or even killed.
John A. Stokes wrote this book because he wanted to tell readers how they separated the races in the South during this time, and how black people were treated. He also wanted us to remember what happened in the past, and he didn’t want us to forget about the Jim Crow South, so we won’t do it all over again. As an adult, John A. Stokes was a success in the teaching profession before retiring as a principal in 1994. John A. Stokes received multiple awards and recognitions due to his stance for the rights of all people.
As each chapter unfolds this book surprises and wows the reader with this true historical story of the author’s experiences in life. This book would be perfect for middle schoolers. Not only did we like it, but we are almost positive that every other middle schooler that reads this will fall in love with it, too! The vocabulary is mostly for middle schoolers and there are some inappropriate parts for younger children. John A. Stokes uses words that elementary children wouldn’t understand. For example, words like social injustice and nonsegregation/integration. Here’s a quote from a poem John’s teacher read him: “Look not at the face nor the color of the person’s skin, but look at the heart which is deep within. For the face and the skin will one day fade away, but the deeds of a good person will never decay. “ This book has many surprising turns and twists that leave you on the edge of your seat! We highly recommend!
After reading this we truly hope you get the chance to read this wonderful book. John stood up for what he believed in and it shows how hard people worked to get to where we are today and to make a difference.
September 12, 2017
Very interesting and informing book!
September 1, 2008
I like the book for its subject matter and for the personal connection and touches of a historical event. However, most of the book reads flat, at times repetitive, often heavy-handed, and dragged out, especially toward the end. The heavy usage of certain terms, such as "white power structure," make this less, rather than more, affective. This is a book written by someone with strong emotional ties to a significant event in the U.S. history but without a strong editorial hand to help move the text from merely documenting to having a bigger impact with a forward moving structure and better choices of phrasing throughout the book.
I also found the following a bit awkward:
p. 90: "Some people even started calling us communists! In other words, they were accusing us of being un-American... Many of my classmates had draft cards, which meant that we could be called up at any time to serve our country and protect these very people who were calling us communists. Yet we knew that some white boys our age managed to avoid having to register for Army service. I wondered who the real communists were!" <-- this name-calling does not seem to belong.
Moreover, at several points when the "white power structure" did not forcefully or physically hinder or harm the student strikers or the black community, the author's rationale becomes highly speculative and thus the credibility is reduced: p. 91 "We suspected that they weren't doing this because they sympathized with our cause. Rather, they wanted to be sure no one could accuse them of not treating the black population fairly." p. 100 "We heard that both the extra law enforcement personnel and the soldiers had been called in by the local authorities because they were afraid the Ku Klux Klan and other opponents of black civil rights might try to disrupt our assembly. We suspected that the troops were really there more to protect the reputation of the white establishment than our safety." p. 104 "We don't know why no physical action was taken against blacks in the county during this stressful time, but I have always thanked God we were spared." This is certainly a memoir, but the author still has the responsibility to investigate. If there are records and other resources that could substantiate or disprove this kind of speculation, they should be researched and reported. If such records do not exist, maybe the author should have refrained from such statements. Of course, Stokes DID use the words "suspected" and that would have been true for the student leaders to ponder... maybe I am being too harsh!
I also found the following a bit awkward:
p. 90: "Some people even started calling us communists! In other words, they were accusing us of being un-American... Many of my classmates had draft cards, which meant that we could be called up at any time to serve our country and protect these very people who were calling us communists. Yet we knew that some white boys our age managed to avoid having to register for Army service. I wondered who the real communists were!" <-- this name-calling does not seem to belong.
Moreover, at several points when the "white power structure" did not forcefully or physically hinder or harm the student strikers or the black community, the author's rationale becomes highly speculative and thus the credibility is reduced: p. 91 "We suspected that they weren't doing this because they sympathized with our cause. Rather, they wanted to be sure no one could accuse them of not treating the black population fairly." p. 100 "We heard that both the extra law enforcement personnel and the soldiers had been called in by the local authorities because they were afraid the Ku Klux Klan and other opponents of black civil rights might try to disrupt our assembly. We suspected that the troops were really there more to protect the reputation of the white establishment than our safety." p. 104 "We don't know why no physical action was taken against blacks in the county during this stressful time, but I have always thanked God we were spared." This is certainly a memoir, but the author still has the responsibility to investigate. If there are records and other resources that could substantiate or disprove this kind of speculation, they should be researched and reported. If such records do not exist, maybe the author should have refrained from such statements. Of course, Stokes DID use the words "suspected" and that would have been true for the student leaders to ponder... maybe I am being too harsh!
November 26, 2017
Students on Strike is 125 pages long. It has been nominally named by a middle school media coordinator from Washington county. Scholastic says grades 6-12 and 1012 Lexile. I like the idea of having a memoir on the list and this one I found quite interesting. The last 10 pages, I began to feel bogged down by the legalese. I skimmed quickly to the end. There are a few pictures and a page of resources and bibliography.
Here's my summary:
Strike is the memoir of the coming-of-age story of African American John Stokes. He tells how he, his sister and a group of fellow students brought about the desegregation of Robert Russa Moton High School, a small, all-black high school in rural Virginia in the 1950s, and how this action became part of the civil rights decision known as Brown v. Board of Education.
The text portrays the eyewitness account of what the students labelled The Manhattan Project, due to the secrecy of their activities. The ultimate result from these young people was a major influence to the desegregation of schools — and life — in the United States.
April 23, 1951, John and his fellow students walked out of the school and into the history books. Their s happy little school was built to accommodate 180 students, yet over 400 black students attended classes in leaky buildings with tar paper walls. A potbelly stove served as the only source of heat, and the school lacked running water, indoor plumbing, and a cafeteria. Yet to Stokes and his fellow students, it was their path to a better life. The knew knowledge was power and that was the very reason the white folk didn't want them educated.
Young readers will relish this inspirational account of the heroic struggles of John Stokes and his fellow students; they will also learn a timeless lesson that people with little influence — but with great determination — can make a difference.
Here's my summary:
Strike is the memoir of the coming-of-age story of African American John Stokes. He tells how he, his sister and a group of fellow students brought about the desegregation of Robert Russa Moton High School, a small, all-black high school in rural Virginia in the 1950s, and how this action became part of the civil rights decision known as Brown v. Board of Education.
The text portrays the eyewitness account of what the students labelled The Manhattan Project, due to the secrecy of their activities. The ultimate result from these young people was a major influence to the desegregation of schools — and life — in the United States.
April 23, 1951, John and his fellow students walked out of the school and into the history books. Their s happy little school was built to accommodate 180 students, yet over 400 black students attended classes in leaky buildings with tar paper walls. A potbelly stove served as the only source of heat, and the school lacked running water, indoor plumbing, and a cafeteria. Yet to Stokes and his fellow students, it was their path to a better life. The knew knowledge was power and that was the very reason the white folk didn't want them educated.
Young readers will relish this inspirational account of the heroic struggles of John Stokes and his fellow students; they will also learn a timeless lesson that people with little influence — but with great determination — can make a difference.
October 20, 2010
This book is outstanding and frightening. I did not realize how far Southerners would go to prevent school integration. This is the story of John Stokes and how he organized a strike of his high school, so that the county would build a decent high school for blacks. His strike occurred in the Spring of 1951, way before Brown vs. The Board of Education. This book explains how Brown vs the Board of Education I led to Brown vs the Board of Education II. The result being that states had the rights to decide how to integrate. John Stoke's county decided that way to prevent integration was to close all public schools. So from the years 1959-1964 all public schools were closed in Prince Edward County, VA. Now that is frightening!!!! Here we are a democracy that supports public education, and yet 50 years ago it was denied to all residents, black and white in one county in Va.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2021
Definitely not a bad book and it tells a very important story. However, the book isn't written in a way that keeps a younger audience engaged. A lot of names and lists of organizations that make it difficult for the middle school age to stay tuned in. If it had been written more like a narrative, I think it would have captivated the reader better. The best part of the book is the poem at the very end.
March 24, 2017
Book review for
Students On Strike
By John A. Stokes
The book “Students on Strike” by John A. Stokes is a memoir by an African American student who led a civil right movement, back when the Jim Crow laws were effective. He was born right in the middle of the segregated era, and grew up witnessing personally, the extreme injustices between the blacks and whites. He witnessed the injustices and did something about them… For example he made the whole school go on strike, not attend school, until they got what they demanded. They wanted better schools, there were 400 students in a “Black” school which was only built for 180 students, and the schools were barely schools they were tar paper shacks, with terrible heating and plumbing, if there was any at all. This book shows how a little endurance can change history forever.
I would give this book a 9/10 I really enjoyed it because, being an african american myself, it really put things into perspective how easy we really have it. And John A. Stokes captures the struggles of the jim crow era. The characters felt very real to me. My favorite part of the book was when the students marched into the head of schooling, and demanded that the conditions changed, and that things really and truly become separate but equal. And the thing that really ties it together is how the parents supported what the kids were doing as well. This book I truly never wanted to put down, it got my attention from the beginning all through to the end. I would recommend this book to a reader who is interested in learning about the injustices of our past history, and even if that's not the goal, it's just a really good book to say that you've read. Because it is certainly worth the read.
Students On Strike
By John A. Stokes
The book “Students on Strike” by John A. Stokes is a memoir by an African American student who led a civil right movement, back when the Jim Crow laws were effective. He was born right in the middle of the segregated era, and grew up witnessing personally, the extreme injustices between the blacks and whites. He witnessed the injustices and did something about them… For example he made the whole school go on strike, not attend school, until they got what they demanded. They wanted better schools, there were 400 students in a “Black” school which was only built for 180 students, and the schools were barely schools they were tar paper shacks, with terrible heating and plumbing, if there was any at all. This book shows how a little endurance can change history forever.
I would give this book a 9/10 I really enjoyed it because, being an african american myself, it really put things into perspective how easy we really have it. And John A. Stokes captures the struggles of the jim crow era. The characters felt very real to me. My favorite part of the book was when the students marched into the head of schooling, and demanded that the conditions changed, and that things really and truly become separate but equal. And the thing that really ties it together is how the parents supported what the kids were doing as well. This book I truly never wanted to put down, it got my attention from the beginning all through to the end. I would recommend this book to a reader who is interested in learning about the injustices of our past history, and even if that's not the goal, it's just a really good book to say that you've read. Because it is certainly worth the read.
September 23, 2019
This book really opened up my mind about many things. We are all equal to each other no matter what. This is a really good book and I recommend it to anyone that is interested about segregation and jus things that were happening back then. And now and days everyone of every color go to the same schools and same places but have in mind it wasn’t always like that.
March 30, 2018
Educated me on the Brown vs. Board of Education. Had no idea it took place so close to where I live in Stafford, VA
March 14, 2022
2.5 STARS. UMMMM. we're going to pretend like a didn't skip a couple of pages.HOW is this book meant for kids. It's not that engaging. It would've been WAY better if it was a narrative.
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February 13, 20235 Copies
February 11, 2017
This book is intended for late elementary school and middle school audiences. As such, the language used is extremely simplified which can be trying for an adult reader. Nevertheless, this book recounts, first hand the story of the student strikes in Prince Edward County, Virginia in 1951, which ultimately became part of the landmark Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court case of 1954.
This book provides a perspective for modern students of what life was like to live in segregated America. It describes the conditions of "separate but equal" that existed in the Jim Crow south, and tells the story of how one community, led by its students, rose up to challenge and ultimately change the laws of the time.
Students on Strike both informs and encourages today's generation to not take what they have for granted while inspiring them to not doubt their own power to effect change in the world.
This book provides a perspective for modern students of what life was like to live in segregated America. It describes the conditions of "separate but equal" that existed in the Jim Crow south, and tells the story of how one community, led by its students, rose up to challenge and ultimately change the laws of the time.
Students on Strike both informs and encourages today's generation to not take what they have for granted while inspiring them to not doubt their own power to effect change in the world.
June 17, 2018
This was a super quick read from John A. Stokes, an organizer of the student strike that ultimately resulted in the closure of Prince Edward County public schools, rather than desegregating the schools. Having already read "Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County" by Kristen Green, this memoir supplemented that story. Told from the memory of Mr. Stokes, it recounts details about the organizing of the strike, who was involved, their original goals, how those original goals changed, and the outcome of the strike. It is lacking in some details that I would have liked to have as an historian, but those are provided in the other book referenced above. So, this is a valuable book for students especially to get a first idea about what was going on in Prince Edward County from someone that was directly involved.
December 18, 2013
Students on the strike is a good and interesting book. i would recommend this book to students who are studying for global regents.This book teach you about the jim crow law. Colored people did not have as many privileges as white people. their schools were built out of tar paper and as big as house. they used the stove for heat. students started a strike to get better schools . this took alot of bravery because they feared the kkk at the same time. they suffered through threats and many more. the good thing about the book is that they reached their goal and nonsegragated schools were built.
August 6, 2020
A short memoir worthy of its subject about a high school student who led a student strike that led to Brown v Board of Education. I didn't know that it included students in Virginia as well as Kansas (and rightfully so, given Mr. Stokes' description of education in Prince Edward County.)
Photographs of the author and of the separate "but equal" schools, a few maps of the area, a quotation from James Baldwin, and an afterword explaining what Virginia is trying to do to rectify its mistakes help support the telling.
I read it from start to finish in an hour, and am glad I did.
Photographs of the author and of the separate "but equal" schools, a few maps of the area, a quotation from James Baldwin, and an afterword explaining what Virginia is trying to do to rectify its mistakes help support the telling.
I read it from start to finish in an hour, and am glad I did.
July 14, 2008
Prince Edward county (Va.) public schools were closed for 5 years because the county did not want to segregate. 5 years! (1959 - 1964) What a loss. Mr. Stokes describes growing up in the Jim Crow south as an African-American and the separate-but-equal joke of the schools he attended. His role in the student strike that led the county to integrate also led him to be a plaintiff in the Brown vs. Board of Ed. case. A short non-fiction read (125 pgs.).
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October 13, 2010This first person account of how a small group of high school students changed america is a powerful is a powerful story that has captivated me. I say this because I am in the process of writing a book that covers the entire 13 year struggle not just the, initiating event, strike.
Any perspectives or leads or research that my fellow goodreads are aware of would be appricated. If you were involved or have some perspective and would like to be interviewed contact me here.
Thanks
John
Any perspectives or leads or research that my fellow goodreads are aware of would be appricated. If you were involved or have some perspective and would like to be interviewed contact me here.
Thanks
John
May 8, 2008
While the prose is somewhat disjointed as times, this book gives a thoughtful and powerful presentation of life in Virigina for John Stokes, an African American who was a boy directly affected by school segregation and what he, his family and his classmates did about it. His afterward briefly touches on the "cost" of protest, even among friends and fellow sufferers.
September 30, 2008
This is an important and inspiring story but told unfortunately in a dry tone that never really grabbed my attention. It's too bad as Stokes, his fellow students and the African American community of Prince Edward County deserve to have their story known across this country.
December 30, 2016
This is a very readable telling of what it was like to live under Jim Crow practices. Also, the power of students to lead when the world and social custom is on the wrong path. Will share with students and teachers.
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July 1, 2009Carrie Simmons loaned this book to me. it's good and a quick read. i think the reading level is okay for middle school students.
March 12, 2010
Use with Racial Prejudice Unit
May 6, 2011
Just had my school order multiple copies of this book to use with my 4th graders in our study of VA history. Powerful little book with a great message and story that needs to heard.
December 5, 2011
Very moving story! It let's students know they can make a difference!
June 26, 2013
This book was cool to read because it was fun to listen to all the detail! I also liked it because it was different from all the books I had read!
August 4, 2013
Great book on such an important time in American and Virginia history!
December 18, 2014
A M A Z I N G !
April 18, 2017
A great read for lower Lexile readers. The topics addressed are also addressed in high Lexile leveled text, so this would be a great text to use in a differentiated unit.
October 13, 2017
It was about John A. Stokes life. Basically a autobiography. It talks about what was their plan/strike to get equal education and equipment. It also talks about Jim Crow laws and the civil rights.
February 11, 2020
Quick read by a student involved in the Moron School strike.
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